BRATTLEBORO — A Vermont trail group has closed on a long-awaited deal on a 23-acre parcel to help build a public and accessible trail along the West River in Brattleboro.

The Friends of the West River Trail has acquired the Riverstone Preserve, a half mile north of the Interstate 91 bridge in Brattleboro. It’s the only public piece of land between the river and the trail, which is along the historic former West River Railroad.

“It’s so great to see this reach fruition,” said Alex Wilson, a member of The Friends of the West River Trail who has been interesting in setting up the trail for years. “It’s a beautiful and important parcel and we think there is a lot of potential there to develop that we would not otherwise have.”

The Brattleboro Reformer reported that the group acquired the parcel by working with the Vermont Land Trust. The Vermont Housing and Conservation Board awarded a $65,050 grant for the purchase. About $32,000 was raised through donations.

The group has been working on a trail system that starts at the Marina Restaurant and runs along the river to an old quarry in Dummerston.